The Knockout Game

A number of Jews have been victims of this frightening new trend.

A terrifying new trend has developed in the United States that some authorities think show signs of rising anti-Semitism It's called “The Knockout Game,” a contest in which players, mostly teenagers walking in a group, are challenged to choose someone passing by and knock them unconscious with one punch, referred to as “The One-Hitter Quitter.”

The point of this game? “For the fun of it,” said one teen on video footage of an attack which was broadcast on CBS. “They just want to see if you got enough strength to knock somebody out,” said another.

The selection process in these attacks, however, is not completely random; of the innocent victims across at least 14 states a good number have been Jewish.

Yehuda Mangel, a Crown Heights resident, was recently a target of the “Knockout Game”. Emerging from a convenience store at 10:30 in the evening, he was attacked by a young black man. “I’d noticed him through the window,” Yehuda says in an Aish.com interview, “so my guard was up already. As I walked out the doors, he took a swing at me. I moved out of the way at the last second, and he missed.” Mangel screamed at the young man and threatened to retaliate, but his attacker took off before things escalated.

“To be honest,” Yehuda confides, “I didn’t even think to be scared in the moment. I was pacing around from adrenaline for a few hours afterward, and my voice was hoarse from yelling at the guy. But after things calmed down, I realized I was shaking everywhere. It was really, really scary. If I hadn’t seen him, he could have killed me.”

Some believe that anti-Semitism is at the root of these attacks.

Mangel happens to be one of the lucky ones to emerge unharmed from these attacks. Seven deaths have already been reported as the result of this “game,” and a number of others have been seriously injured (including a 78-year-old woman and a WWII veteran). “The worst part about it,” Mangel says, “is that while it’s happening, someone else videos it and they put it up on Youtube, like it’s something to be proud of.”

The New York police have become increasingly involved, and some believe that anti-Semitism is at the root of these attacks. The New York Post wrote, “The New York authorities describe a recent series of such attacks and, because Jews have been singled out...are considering prosecuting these assaults as hate crimes.” In fact, according to The Business Insider, some groups are referring to their versions of “The Knockout Game” as “Beat the Jew.” Upon release of this report, the Anti-Defamation League gave a single-word response on their Facebook page: “Really?!”.

In cities like St. Louis, Missouri, Hoboken, New Jersey, and especially in Crown Heights, increasing incidents of anti-Semitism have been cause for alarm. Chanina Sperlin, executive vice president of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, spoke out at a recent gathering, as reported by The Jewish Week, about “a lot of [anti-Jewish] racism over the last several months. A woman was walking down Brooklyn Avenue was told, ‘If you don’t cross the street I’m going to stab you.’” On November 18th, according to Sperling, a yeshiva student was walking to school when someone threw a bag at him, with hot coffee inside. He says these incidents are happening “on a daily basis.”

The press, meanwhile, has devoted much time and ink to the discussion of why these attacks are happening: Could it be poor parenting? Overexposure to violent movies and video games? Typical teenage machismo? Or, is it just plain boredom? There is no simple answer, though probably all of these elements are involved somewhat. But the pattern also shows that racism, and specifically, anti-Semitism, are driving factors.

Not everyone is prepared to make connections to anti-Semitism or racism. Despite eight attacks on Orthodox Jews, New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly neglected to see a pattern. He’s not even sure the phenomenon even exists; he thinks it may be an urban legend. As for the press, it was only recently that they even started reporting that most of the assailants were African-American.

Anti-Semitism isn’t only in the Middle East. It is rearing its head everywhere from Paris to Pittsburgh. Jewish hatred is becoming more acceptable to voice out loud and it is our responsibility as Jews to acknowledge it, even if the mass media doesn’t.

In the season of Hanukkah, we’re reminded of our ancestors who were unafraid to stand up against injustice, despite being few in the face of many. 2000 years later, we have the opportunity to follow their example. By speaking out for and living as Jews, we have the power to ensure we emerge from this “game” victorious.

Do you think anti-Semitism is on the rise in the United States? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Related Articles:

About the Author

Rea Bochner is a writer and musician who lives in NJ. She holds a BA in Film at Emerson College and a Master's in Special Education from Montclair State University. Rea has worn many hats in her life, including: a tour guide at the Disney MGM Studios, a story developer at Universal Studios and later, and as a teacher of students with special needs. These days, Rea is wearing her "Mom" hat, happily raising her kids while writing for various publications. She is the founder of the Jewish lifestyle blog, www.reezie.com

Visitor Comments: 59

(46)
haroldgeorge,
December 3, 2013 10:34 PM

any crime on jews

this is to inform you that most people will report to the police any crime . this game the thugs are playing knocking out is result of the breakdown in the family. had they a parent they would not be doing this and other criminal acts.

(45)
Anonymous,
December 2, 2013 12:13 AM

shomrims #

what is shomrim's number for the queens area ??is shomrim's world wide organization or just a borough park organization?

(44)
Sivana Sharon,
November 30, 2013 8:35 PM

a concerned Jewish American

This 'trend' disturbs me greatly, especially the venom "Beat the Jew" spewed by some of these youth. This hatred is DEFINITELY not a 'game'! That a faction of the NYC Police Department does not find the CRIMES of particular concern, is even more alarming. If the victims of these 'games' were African-American or your average white individual, there would be an outcry of opposition and ridicule directed at the assailants. We, as American Jews, must rise up and DEMAND that these acts of hatred - anti-Semitism - be acknowledged and that the perpetrators be charged with hate crimes! NEVER AGAIN!!

(43)
Anonymous,
November 30, 2013 4:31 PM

Time to make Aliya NOW!

Could the signs be any more clear than this? Hashem wants His yidden to come home!

Gary Katz,
December 2, 2013 4:54 AM

Don't put words in G-d's mouth

Anonymous, don't presume to know what G-d wants. Israel needs lots of American Jews protecting Israel from her greatest ally, America. If we all moved to Israel, who knows what would happen to that alliance? Without that alliance, Israel would be in a very precarious position. These attacks occur because ignoramuses don't respect other people, except for their close friends. They are obviously stupid, or they wouldn't broadcast their crimes on social media. I doubt there's more than 5 Jews in the entire U.S. who would seriously consider punching a total stranger for kicks.

Rebecca,
December 6, 2013 4:54 AM

Really?

By Valuing the "alliance" too much, you are underestimating Hashem's power. Hashem doesnt need jews in America to ensure peace for Israel. This is just an excuse for jews living in america to justify their lack of desire to leave their confortable lives in Israel.

if jews in america were helpful, where were the american jews during the holocaust? many people complained about the fact that american jewry did not react!

Gary Katz,
December 19, 2013 8:44 PM

correction

I was inarticulate when I wrote "protecting Israel from her greatest ally." I made it sound like Israel needs protection from America, but I meant that Jews in America help to make sure America continues to protect Israel. Sorry about that!

(42)
Perry Birman,
November 29, 2013 1:55 PM

The hand

Why, in your top-of-story illustration, do you use an image of the clenched fist of a white person? Each and every one of these racist acts of social barbarism has been committed by blacks.

EACH AND EVERY ONE.

Using the image of the fist of a white person not only hides important context from these crimes, but it shreds YOUR credibility as journalists.

I would expect this type of politically correct deception from MSNBC.

You begin the story, even before the first word, with an outright lie. I am very disappointed.

Howard Galganov,
December 3, 2013 5:30 PM

Anonymous names

Not only do I agree with Perry Birman's point about using a white fist other than the true color of the fists that are attacking Jews.

But I am also extremely upset that people would rather address this criminal acts of violence with anonymous names, rather than to stand up with full personal disclosure.

(41)
Rena,
November 28, 2013 4:04 AM

Take self defense class , also for your kids! NOW

TIME TO BE REALISTIC get signed up for self defense orIDF classes now. for ALL members of your family!

(40)
Paul,
November 27, 2013 2:57 PM

World Media Inspired

With all the lies and biased against Israel the oh so tolerant media has now resurected the age old stereotypes (not that they ever went away) against Jews. When you vilify Israel you vilify the Jews and elevate the haters. Once again it is evident we have no friends and can only count on ourselves

(39)
z,
November 27, 2013 5:53 AM

We let the society do this to us and many actually help along. A lot of secular and reform Jews voted and financially supported Obama's rise to the office. Him and Democratic party are pushing the double standard of what is considered acceptable. It's OK to insult(verbally, physically, you name it) a white and especially a Jewish person and at the same time if you do the same to an African-American or a Muslim it's a hate crime. Obama and his posse such Cuomo, Bloomberg and others doing all they can to take away guns from the hands of law abiding people and leaving them defenseless against illegally armed criminals, terrorists and anti-Semites.We stand aside and say nothing when secular schools teach their new version of history about WW2, Holocaust, and Israeli - Arab conflicts. We need to start standing up to all of that at the polls, in the media and if need arises with a gun in a hand.

(38)
m,
November 27, 2013 4:37 AM

Why the heck are you guys [and especially the media] calling it a "game" and "trend" ???!!! Words DO matter and by calling it by this only makes it more enticing for the rest of the black youth watching the news and makes them want to get involved.Now, thanks to the media, all these black kids are like "hey, cool game, cool idea, how can I get in on it?"

(37)
CPerdomo,
November 26, 2013 11:29 PM

most of the assailants were African-American?

All of the assailants have been African American...

(36)
Mary,
November 26, 2013 4:01 PM

How would these thugs like to have someone snatch them off the street and lynch them an put them on a street lamp. What and who would get involved than. WOULD THAT BE CONCERED A HATE CRIME, RACISM. DUHThese innocent people are not bothering anyone. I pray G-d have mercy on the souls of those who harm His people. And attacking elderly, what cowards. If you are so good at what you do, why not walk up to someone and be a real man and tell them what you are going to do, and pick someone of your own age and stature. COWARDS Better yet get into a ring and make some money at it. COWARDS

(35)
Galia Berry,
November 26, 2013 1:12 PM

It would have been highly appropriate for Obama, who is supposedly a role model for youth of color, to publicly condemn the knockout incidents; he certainly didn't hesitate to condemn Zimmerman. ..

(34)
Anonymous,
November 26, 2013 11:09 AM

This is absolutely DISGUSTING...this from a group who suffered 'random acts' of lynching, beatings, raids. A group who can attribute their rights to Jews who assisted in the civil rights struggle. And yes- I am black. but so so ashamed.

(33)
Michael,
November 26, 2013 7:56 AM

Too Much Already !!

This game by these black thugs is going on in Chicago too. Jew or Gentile, only thing that matters is that the poor soul is white.The go after the elderly and think it is nothing but a joke to injure an innocent person walking the streets.

(32)
Anonymous,
November 26, 2013 7:25 AM

not moving to israel

not moving to israel to make a bunch of right wing christians happy

Leah,
November 26, 2013 9:10 PM

How about moving to Israel for yourself?

Moving to Israel is returning to the Land of Israel is not about pleasing xtians. Seriously. It's about building our nation--walking the walk we are meant to walk in this world. Come on home!!! (in spite of what the xtians say, they are not the point.)

(31)
Frances,
November 26, 2013 6:51 AM

Anti semitism everyWhere? Or Pro semitism?

I think there is too much Concern about ''Semitism'' [which is a widespread Definition of an ethnic big Group or Background, belonging to, or related to the Afro asiatic linguistic Family]. This drives to a [sort of] [racialist or ethicist] ''Pro semitism'', which obviously exclude the same Priviledge, Benevolence for [and towards] other ethnic Groups - which at the same Time drives to the opposite and complementary ]Perception, as soon as this priviledged ''Pro'' fails to get honored, revered, supported. ''Pro'' and ''Anti'' walk in the same Track, and this opposite and complementary Perception [<-- Root], drives to all their Expressions [<-- Fruit]. If One or We nurish another Kind of Perception, and [and ethnic or, even better, universally human ...] Values, the Expressions might really be different, and better - for everyOne [<-- OneNess, Humanity as a whole]. Light, Love and Shalom.

Daniel,
November 26, 2013 7:07 PM

A Rose is Still a Rose

You can slice and dice the English language as much as you want. Spend hours reviewing the etymology.At the end of the day, the hate is there, and it is never going away.More to the point, and more disturbing;in 2008, Obama was elected by an overwhelming majority of Jewish Voters. Over 78% of the Jewish vote went Democrat (overall total 53% of voters voted for Obama).In 2012, Obama was elected with 69% (overall total 51% voted for Obama)Why are people who identify with being Jewish still stuck with the idealism of the Democrats, who have not been an ally since the days of......never.Why are so many Jews so liberally biased to social issues, when in reality, we are hated. Mida Keneged Mida back to the brothers selling Yosef, Yaakov, Esav and Yishmael. It is our lot in life. Do we really need to appease the rest of the world? Do we really think that by embracing the collective mantra, that by showing the world how accepting we are of others, they will finally accept us? Really?

(30)
Shelly,
November 26, 2013 5:39 AM

Knock Out Hypocracy

Al Sharpton, you hypocrite, where are you?! How come you're not defending the poor victims in this "game"? Oh, I'm sorry, the victims are not black, and even worse, THEY'RE JEWISH!

(29)
Linda Shade,
November 26, 2013 3:27 AM

Shame On Your Political Correctness

Why not be truthful and say what is really happening? Yes, it is anti-Semitic, but it is ALWAYS a black on white crime. There are not roving bands of Catholics or Protestants looking to "Knock-out" Jews. This is a one way street and until the main stream media and YOU are willing to say what is really happening, then it will certainly continue.

(28)
steve,
November 25, 2013 11:48 PM

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, no matter how innocuous they may seem to be. Contact your local JCC and find out if, where and when they teach Krav Maga.

Celia,
November 26, 2013 10:21 AM

krav Maga

Absolutely my thoughts as well. As in Israel EVERYONE is prepared to fight for the nation, so should everyone be prepared to defend themselves. Send a message, we will stand up

(27)
mary,
November 25, 2013 11:40 PM

No coincidence

The numbers of Jewish victims of this "game" are entirely too high for it to be a random occurance. If it were, the victomology would be random with people from all backgrounds being equally victimized.

(26)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 11:31 PM

It will just get worse

Now that Bill De Blasio has been elected mayor of New York City, who knows if it won't get worse. Ray Kelly and Bill Bratton, who are good men, worked under Dinkins when he was mayor of New York. Dinkins tied their hands behind their backs, by not allowing them to do their jobs effectively, hence the Crown Hts. debacle, or pogrom in 1991. It does not matter who is police commissioner if the mayor does not let him do his job correctly. The fact that there will not be anymore "stop and frisk," is very concerning and already bodes poorly for New York. Police know who and what they are looking for, but without being able to stop and frisk, crime will go up. In all, between the president and De Blasio, it's pretty bad. On another note, people should keep something on themselves, especially women, such as some sort of spray for protection. I also truly believe that women should learn self-protection techniques, like Krav Maga. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful that there will be an end to this, knockout insanity,just as the yanking of gold chains off people ended back in the eighties. We can only pray.

(25)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 11:17 PM

Sad stuff....

I was the victim of such an attack, two and a half years ago. The kids hit me on my head, and ran off. I had a nice egg on my head for about a week, and sore head and neck muscles for about two weeks. It could have been a lot worse. There is no good reason for such a thing to happen. Blaming it on a dare, or blaming it on boredom, is not a good enough reason. There needs to be consequences for such activity. The young men need to be taught to not engage in such activity. There needs to be a firm line drawn in the sand, and they should know that things like this will not be tolerated.

(24)
Warren Franks,
November 25, 2013 11:05 PM

Anti-semitisim is not on the rise. It's always been pretty high in our society.

Many of these attacks are (obviously) anti-Semitic. However, the hatred driving the activity is no more and no less then it has always been in our society.

I am not Jewish (I think); but have often been "accused" of being a member of "The Tribe." My daughter was the recipient of anti-Jewish taunting at one point in high school, from a group of avowed neo-Nazi's. That was before she got a major role (The mother) in Diary of Ann Frank at the same high school!

Why am I not anti-Semitic? My aunt and uncle, when I was about six or seven, would visit open houses in Jewish neighborhoods during Hanukah. We were poor, and the food was good. Who knew!

Racism is not to be taken lightly. I dream of a day when a man (woman) is judged by their actions and not their ethnicity. Until then, I will do my part by cherishing my Jewish friends, and continuing to partake of their wonderful food whenever I get an invitation.

(23)
Jacob Theodore,
November 25, 2013 10:04 PM

It's not about Jews

It's 100% about being black in a country whose chief law enforcer is a black man who is seen by the attackers a one who will not proceed against them as racist hate crimes BECAUSE they are black. So far, they are correct, as we have seen. I have been watching this develop for over two years now, and all politicians and media outlets have diligently refused to even recognize observable facts. 'If it's unreported, it didn't happen. It is NOT about Jews. It IS about ANYONE who i s NOT black. With almost all Jews being socially and politically liberal, there has been a complete absence of any outrage or even comment for fear of being called racist. So when it was ordinary white folks [who were not obviously Jewish] being attacked, where was the Jewish reaction? Oh, now I see...waiting for Jews to be attacked! Remember "When they came for the gypsies, I was silent", etc? The road to the camps and the ovens is bathed in silence. You have a bully pulpit and a worldwide following and fellow Jewish connections who have their own channels. Stand up. Exercise your resources and inflame them to action for fear of their lives,... again. Or is "NEVER AGAIN" just a trite, outmoded slogan?

'Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice'.

(22)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 9:53 PM

Burnt Knishers

That's who does this, I moved out of the City of Port St. Lucie Florida because of them.I suggest all Jews carry guns, preferably legal but anyway needed to survive. And people hate the illegals' more?Burnt Knishes are the worst!

(21)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 8:37 PM

where do we go?

As a person married to a non Jew, I am wondering where the people who support Israel and the Jews will go? They aren't allowed in Israel and they won't be welcome here if things keep going this way.

Anonymous,
December 1, 2013 4:45 PM

I hope it never comes to that, but....You may come to me and my family. Blessings to you.....

The article says in part, 'As for the press, it was only recently that they even started reporting that most of the assailants were African-American.'From that, I think that reasonable people might infer at minimum that the author is of the understanding that one or more press reports/articles have stated/claimed that the assailants have been non-black--and such readers might infer that the author is of the understanding/belief that one or more assailants have been non-black. The only instances I found in a deep-wide search a week or so ago were of black assailants. To the author: (a) Please cite and ideally link to any press articles/reports that any assailants have been non-black. (b) Would a more accurate writing be, 'As for the press, it was only recently that they even started reporting that in all instances where the race of the assailant has been documented or reported (including even only when the race is shown via photos or video), the race has been African-American'? (Hopefully needless to say: (1) Please apply whichever/any wording you prefer for Black/black/African-American; I intend no offense. (2) Regarding my making this comment/question/request: I'm not racist, I have no racist intent, I think that reporting accurately about this is not in itself racism. I'm just afraid that this article's present wording might lead to shifting from (a) the reasonable beliefs that one or more race-unknown assailants **might** have been non-black and/or that perpetrators in future attacks might be non-black to (b) an unfounded, incorrect claim that one or more assailants have been non-black.) Thanks!

(19)
RUTH,
November 25, 2013 8:07 PM

KNOCKOUT GAME?

DON'T CALL IT A GAME BUT CALL IT PURE EVIL !

(18)
Yehudit,
November 25, 2013 8:05 PM

Video gaming gone viral?

I wonder how much influence the video gaming world has on this trend? It's a rather sad situation, and unfortunately the children playing this game do not comprehend that you don't go to the next level after punching someone out. :(

Leah,
November 26, 2013 9:31 PM

I had the same thoughts

There is a "game" called "Grand Theft Auto" and I wonder if it hasn't had a negative influence. On the other hand, there were no games influencing all the other evil of this world...

(17)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 7:42 PM

what does it take?

for every Jew everywhere in the world to understand that any time he not armed & willing & ready to fight back in Eretz or gallut, that he is asking to be a victim. Only moral cowards refuse to fight back or to defend the weak. It is a mitzvah to defend oneself & a shandle to not do so.

(16)
Steven,
November 25, 2013 7:00 PM

not antiSemitic

In my far north neighborhood in Chicago, early in 2013, an elderly Hispanic man, collecting scrap metal in an alley at 6 a.m. was attacked at killed by kids playing the knock out game. There was no antisemitism involved. If Jews are being attacked in recent knock out game incidences, I think it is because Jew are perceived as people who are not going to fight back.

A Chaya,
November 26, 2013 3:13 AM

Sad But True

40 years ago the JDL confronted this activity successfully with opeation"Kipot." in Brooklyn, and carried out by the Chaya Squads.

(15)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 6:56 PM

knockout game targets anybody not black

If you view the videos you will see that anybody other than blacks are targeted. They are targeting whoever looks white. There are even videos of other blacks warning whites to take action to protect themselves. And warning that these attacks are occurring to only whites. You have to remember in the US there are only 2 colors..black and white everybody else had a nationality. It's not correct...it's just the way it is. If you aren't black you are subject to be victim of the game. Cold hard facts.
Sooner or later this hatred and violence will turn tail on itself, and then it's no holds barred. Please pray for us.

(14)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 6:40 PM

Not an Urban Legend

It's not an urban legend - it's been on the rise in many cities. It may very well be antisemitism. I do think it's definitely due to a lack of respect, especially for life. It's really attempted murder since a blow such as those I've seen in videos can easily lead to death. I believe they should be charged as such.

(13)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 6:33 PM

Knock out games...

When will they ever learn??? Providence (i.e. G-d) has made arrangements for the Jews to finally return home. How many more have to disappear due to assimilation, get killed or suffer before they understand that this is G-d's way of shaking things up and reminding us to simply pack up and come home? I thank G-d every day for the privilege of being home.

Judith,
November 26, 2013 3:15 AM

Safe?

I am all for our Holy Land, the Land of Israel. However, I don't see why you trumpet it as an alternative when it comes to safety when a young man was just murdered, stabbed to death on a bus, by an Arab, and the Israeli government just let loose terrorists.

Anonymous,
November 26, 2013 9:36 PM

I see your point Judith

Still, there is no safer place for a Jew to be living today. We have a Jewish army to protect us as the arm of G.d. There is no "game" like this in the streets here. Please come and spend some years here to see the true nature of life here. It's not easy, but it is always meaningful. ...and if you don't like what the government is doing, make aliya so your voice (and vote) can make the changes we need. <3

Andy,
November 27, 2013 8:49 AM

worthwhile living in Israel for sure but safer?

As one who lives in israel and thanks G-d for the oppt'y safety is not the reason. Even here there are many neighborhoods a religious Jew won't go. It's not pc but israel is not yet truly independent[no country would free convicted murderers en masse by choice for nothing in return] and among Jews themselves no consensus about the correctness of its borders re the Jewish State ,or sadly in my mind even the need for one if it means it being non democratic. By all means make aliyah and hasten the redemption, but in order to be physically safer than other places. Seems to be unknown at best. What seems to me known is that if one is G-d forbid a victim it's for a greater cause

(12)
Suzan,
November 25, 2013 6:30 PM

Time to come home

Maybe Hashem is telling all Jews that it is time to come home. If we want Mashiach we need to show Hashem that we want to live in the land He promised us and follow His ways. Come home. I did.

(11)
Otis R. Needleman,
November 25, 2013 6:13 PM

Don't see a whole lot of this happening in right-to-carry states.

Care to guess why? Likely a bunch of "knock-out kings" would end up dead. Better to be tried by twelve than carried by six.

(10)
Linda,
November 25, 2013 5:54 PM

Dispicable

Yes, I really DO believe that these violent acts of knocking an innocent victim to the ground with one punch of the closed fist IS an act of anti-semitism. There may be other victims of other nationalities involved, but, at least, most of the victims are of the Jewish faith. These attackers are cowards, among other things.

(9)
Steven,
November 25, 2013 5:54 PM

Yes this is no game, it is a very violent crime and it is done by black male youth onto whites, it's been reported for some time at WND dot com, it is wide spread but under reported because of the black/white aspect, go figure.

(8)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 5:53 PM

American Jews and the 2nd Amendment

M., 11/25/13 common era/////If more American Jews had permits for carrying of concealed loaded firearms, perhapsthese evil acts would be deterred. Don't rely on the A.D.L.It's about as useless today as it was in the late 1930's.Also check out Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership. Interfaith candlelight vigils are useless.

(7)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2013 5:47 PM

It's murder not a game!!!!

(6)
devorah,
November 25, 2013 4:30 PM

wake up people

G-d runs the world and he wants the Jewish people to WAKE UP, in order to do that, people are getting knocked out in order for them to think about what it means to be Jewish. Jews around the world are not safe, what's the message.... We all need to Wake Up and join together.

(5)
Judith,
November 24, 2013 10:55 PM

Don't Call it a Game

I don't think the articles and discussion about it should refer to these despicable attacks as a game. It is anything but. We should not be trivializing it by referring to it in this way. If we all refer to it as a game, well then, what's the big deal? It's only a game ...

(4)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2013 10:13 PM

An imploding society

People must choose, you cannot have a steady diet of absolute spiritual poison - violent video games, movies, TV, music and expect to be humane and civilized. You can't be entertained by violence and immorality all the time any have respect for human life. More and more people can't tell the difference between reality and all the crazy things they watch and hear. Its a society that is killing itself spiritually and physically.

(3)
Josh Steinbrecher,
November 24, 2013 9:12 PM

Hopefully, the Knockout Game will stop. I've heard each generation is suppose to get worse and worse before the Messiah comes. We must never let the bad side of the world penetrate us. We must always be strong enough to overcome the bad things that happen in society and in our daily lives. We must be careful where ever we go. We shouldn't be out late at night or by ourselves. Thank you for the inspiring video and may we all grow from it. May anti-semism stop throughout the world and may we not have to suffer any more and may the Messiah come soon speedily in our days.

(2)
TMay,
November 24, 2013 8:52 PM

The best article I have read on the subject is:

The best article I have read on the subject is:"Knock Outs High and Low" by Mark Steyn (not Jewish)http://www.steynonline.com/It is about the viscera, the chest, and the head.Watch this short video from 2005. Everything they said in the video they went against when they got the power.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZxSPCnfZj4

(1)
Shoshana Stubin,
November 24, 2013 3:38 PM

Indifference, stupidity, or political pandering?

Ray Kelly should be fired - it reminds of the story of the emperor and his new "clothes" - does he only see what he wants to see, or he just completely incompetent? What will it take for him to acknowledge the truth?

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...